Public Launch: Friends of New England Rail Trail 

A new community-driven group, “Friends of NERT” (New England Rail Trail), will be officially launched to support the highly anticipated New England Rail Trail project. This initiative aims to transform the disused rail corridor between Armidale and Glen Innes into a vibrant rail trail, promoting outdoor recreation, tourism, community health and local economic growth. 

Launch information sessions will be held at: 

• Armidale 5.30 pm Wed 31 July 2024 (Armidale City Bowling Club) 
• Glen Innes 5.30 pm Wed 7 August 2024 (William Gardner Room, Glen Innes Severn Learning Centre) 
• Guyra 5.30 pm Wed 14 August 2024 (Guyra Bowling & Recreation Club) 

“Friends of NERT” will play a crucial role in the co-design of the rail trail project, ensuring that community voices and ideas are integrated into every step of the development process. This group will provide a vital avenue for community involvement, fostering a sense of ownership and pride among local residents. 

The launch of “Friends of NERT” comes on the heels of overwhelming community support for the rail trail. A recent change.org petition advocating for the project garnered over 6,800 signatures in just a few weeks, highlighting the strong local and external enthusiasm and commitment to seeing the rail trail come to fruition. The petition was accompanied by hundreds of letters of support to Armidale Regional Council for the project. Some years ago over $48,000 was raised from locals and local businesses through crowd funding to help develop the business cases and the trail development plans for the project. 

The Friends group will work closely with both the Armidale Regional and Glen Innes Severn Councils, acting as a conduit for two-way information flow. This collaboration will ensure that community feedback is heard and addressed promptly, and that updates on the project’s progress are effectively communicated. 

“Friends of NERT” will also be instrumental in promoting and marketing the New England Rail Trail. Through strategic campaigns and community events, the group will raise awareness about the trail’s benefits and attract visitors from near and far. 

Additionally, the group will assist with the creation of branded merchandise and spearhead fundraising activities and events to enhance the project further. Some additional small grant funding applications are also envisaged. 

“We are thrilled to launch ‘Friends of NERT’ and harness the collective energy and passion of our community,” said David Mills, Chairperson of NERT Inc. “This project has the power to transform our region, and with the community’s active involvement, we can create something truly special.” 

The Armidale Regional Council and Glen Innes Severn Council are looking forward to partnering with “Friends of NERT” and look forward to the positive impact this group will have on the New England Rail Trail project. 

For more information or to join please contact the group “Friends of NERT“

About the New England Rail Trail (nert): The New England Rail Trail project aims to convert the disused rail corridor between Armidale and Glen Innes into a multi-use rail trail, promoting outdoor recreation, tourism, community well-being and economic development. The trail will provide a scenic route for walking, cycling, and other non-motorised activities, boosting the local economy and enhancing the region’s appeal as a tourist destination. Any lease agreement with the State Government for a rail trail ensures that, should the time come, the subject land will be made available for transport services.